Freedom

Patrick Henry: Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace–but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death

Abraham Lincoln: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Tomorrow our nation celebrates Independence Day. For Americans, it should be a day that reminds us how fortunate we are. LGBT people have fought for our rights. These are rights that weren’t taken from us but denied us. We still lack some of the freedoms that most Americans have, but we have gained so much in the last few years. Liberty never looks so sweet as it does when we do not possess it. This is why we have so much to look forward to this Independence Day.

There have always been a group of men ready to impose their will upon others. Sometimes in the belief, right or wrong, that they knew what was best for themselves and their fellow men. When they were right, their imposed will could be a blessing, lifting others out of lives of poverty, disease, and despair. When men desire to rule over others with right motives much good can be accomplished.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our founding fathers came from a religiously repressive environment. These were men of different religious outlooks. But they had a burning desire to live where they were free to worship God as they saw fit. Religious freedoms laws are unnecessary. In fact if we were to look at the Sermon on the Mount we would see that the very nature of such bills are contrary to Christ who wanted everyone to be treated the same.

Equality in the early church was what brought so many into Christianity. Freedom from oppression caused the downtrodden to be baptized and join the faith. They were promised eternal freedom from the evils and unfairness of this world. We need to make sure those freedoms are preserved for everyone, which is why we celebrate freedom from oppression on Independence Day.

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About Joe

I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's.
My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces.
View all posts by Joe

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 at 7:00 am and posted in Religion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.